The Giving Tree

Student communicators are giving warmth on GivingTuesday

For the second year, Memorial University is participating in GivingTuesday, a day of giving celebrated around the world.

GivingTuesday takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 29, this year. The event is meant to encourage people to support causes they care about by giving a charitable donation or offering their time as a volunteer.

Charitable movement

The Telefund is Memorial University’s annual calling program, staffed by full-time students. Once again, the student communicators are joining the GivingTuesday movement. They have a tree that has been placed in the call centre and they are collecting hats, mittens, scarves and other winter appropriate clothing to put on and around the tree. They call it the Giving Tree.

Memorial students are participating in GivingTuesday on Nov. 29.

Photo: Submitted

On GivingTuesday these items will be donated to a local charity, which will then give warmth to those who truly need it throughout the harsh Newfoundland and Labrador winter.

Caitlyn Tobin, a social work student and student caller, is excited to be involved with GivingTuesday.

“With the busy mentality of the holiday season fast approaching, we tend to forget what this time of year is all about,” said Ms. Tobin. “GivingTuesday is a time for us to pause and think about the importance of giving back and contributing to movements that make a difference in people’s lives.”

Hand-crafted cards

The call centre has a history of giving. Last year for GivingTuesday they made hand-crafted cards for people living in senior’s homes.

“Our Giving Tree is a project that they have organized as a way for them to give back to our community.” — Robert Badcock

The purpose of Telefund is to give back to the students at Memorial University. They do this not only by fundraising for scholarships and program enrichment, but also by reaching out to Memorial alumni to welcome them to the Memorial family. The callers keep alumni updated on campus developments and events, and chat with them to find out how the Memorial experience has impacted their lives.

Natural fit

Robert Badcock, Telefund co-ordinator, felt that getting involved with GivingTuesday was a natural fit.

“I felt compelled to get our callers involved with GivingTuesday,” said Mr. Badcock. “Every night they work hard, calling our alumni and asking them to support students like them.

“Caitlyn and our other callers are all fantastic students who believe in the power of education and the importance of giving back. Our Giving Tree is a project that they have organized as a way for them to give back to our community.”

Get in on the season of giving! Visit here to learn more about GivingTuesday and consider giving your support to the wonderful students of Memorial University.

Lisa Pendergast is a communications advisor with Alumni Affairs and Development. She can be reached at lpendergast@mun.ca.